Chestnut Hill College has added two majors effective this semester in the School of Continuing & Professional Studies (SCPS) and one that will be available in the fall 2017 semester in the School of Undergraduate Studies (SUS) — three new opportunities designed especially for CHC students.
Organizational Dynamics is the study of human resource management, change leadership, the cultural structure of organizations and much more. Applicable to nearly every industry, this new major is designed for the adult learner and offered through the Accelerated Adult Degree Program.
Some key concepts include understanding critical organizational theory, team dynamics, effective communication, negotiation/conflict management, cultural competence and data analytics. It will prepare students for careers in management of medical and health services, sales, purchasing, human resources, public relations, fundraising, education, government and more.
“This major includes courses that help students understand human behavior, how organizations work, team dynamics, cultural competencies and organizational leadership,” says Elaine Green, Ed.D., dean of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies. “And the Security Studies major prepares students in areas such as risk analysis, emergency planning, threat assessment and criminal investigation.
“We continually review the curriculum and look for opportunities to add new majors and minors — a detailed process that includes many different levels of approvals,” she adds.
The Security Studies major will prepare police, first responders and emergency management personnel with critical thinking, informed decision-making and emergency planning knowledge and skills. This interdisciplinary degree is designed to meet these needs of security professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Coming in the Fall
Exercise Science is a new major being launched through the Department of Physical Education. Those students with a love of fitness, health and/or sports performance may find their career path through this major, according to Carolyn Albright, Ph.D., associate professor of physical education and chair of the department.
“This new major is a great opportunity for those who want to pursue a career in the fitness industry, corporate wellness, strength and conditioning for sport or even use this as a pathway to a professional program in areas such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy or cardiac rehabilitation,” says Albright.
After completing the Exercise Science major, students will be prepared to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine Personal Training Certification and Exercise Physiologist Certification as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Certification exam to be a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. 
Students in this major also will spend time in the exercise science lab and CHC’s Fitness Center in addition to the classroom, where they will gain hands-on experience to better understand and be prepared for jobs in the fitness, health and sport professions.
“For the past several years, there has been a focus on adding programs giving students more options for marketable degrees and courses of study,” says Kathleen Anderson, Ed.D., interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “For example, Organizational Dynamics offers an alternative path for business majors who are interested in organizational structures and behaviors, team building and leadership development and Exercise Science demonstrates CHC’s commitment to health and wellness.”
— Brenda Lange
